CIA for Short-Term Tourist Lets: Everything You Need to Know
If you manage a holiday home or a property used for short-term tourist accommodation, there is one important compliance requirement you cannot overlook: the Commencement of Activity Notification (CIA).
In this article, we explain what it is, who is required to submit it, the safety requirements your property must meet, and the penalties that may apply in cases of non-compliance.
What Is the CIA and Who Does It Apply To?
The CIA is a mandatory formal declaration for individuals operating tourist accommodation rentals on a non-business basis. It must be submitted electronically to the Single Business Desk (SUAP – Sportello Unico per le Attività Produttive) of the relevant municipality before commencing any short-term letting activity.
It is important to distinguish between business and non-business operations. Under Italian law, an activity is presumed to be conducted on a business basis—and therefore requires a SCIA (Certified Notification of Commencement of Activity) instead of a CIA—where more than two residential units are made available for tourist rental within the same tax year.
This presumption may also be supported by additional factors, including a high volume of bookings, continuous presence on major online platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com, and significant rental income in the absence of other sources of earnings.
Deadlines: When Must the CIA Be Submitted?
Anyone starting a new tourist letting activity must submit the CIA before operations begin.
For operators who were already active as of 30 September 2025, the legislation provides for a transitional period: the notification must be submitted no later than 30 September 2026.
The official application forms were approved by Executive Determination No. 217 of 3 October 2025 and are available through the Tourism and Internationalisation Department of the Apulia Region (Regione Puglia).
Mandatory Safety Requirements
Regardless of whether the activity is conducted on a business or non-business basis, all properties used for tourist accommodation must comply with specific safety standards:
Public Liability Insurance: A public liability insurance policy is mandatory to cover risks arising from liability towards guests. The level of cover must be proportionate to the accommodation capacity of the property.
Gas and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Each property unit must be equipped with fully operational devices capable of detecting combustible gases and carbon monoxide.
Portable Fire Extinguishers: Portable fire extinguishers must be installed in accordance with applicable legislation and positioned in accessible and clearly visible locations, preferably near entrances and areas presenting higher fire risk.
The requirement is one fire extinguisher for every 200 square metres (or part thereof) on each floor, with a minimum of one extinguisher per floor.
The type of extinguisher must comply with Section 4.4 of Annex I to the Italian Ministry of the Interior Decree of 3 September 2021.
Compliant Building Systems: All systems and installations within the property must comply with current national and regional safety regulations.
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
In addition to submitting the CIA, operators of tourist accommodation in Apulia must comply with a number of continuing obligations:
Submission of Tourism Statistics: Information regarding arrivals, departures, periods of inactivity and temporary closures must be reported to ARET Pugliapromozione through the SPOT Easy platform for statistical purposes.
Guest Registration Requirements: Property operators must comply with the obligations set out in Article 109 of the Consolidated Public Security Act (Testo Unico delle Leggi di Pubblica Sicurezza) by submitting guest details through the official Alloggiati Web portal.
Tourist Tax: Where required under municipal regulations, tourist tax must be collected from guests and remitted to the relevant local authority in accordance with the prescribed procedures.
Updates to the SUAP: Any temporary suspension or permanent cessation of the activity must be promptly notified to the Single Business Desk (SUAP).
What Are the Risks of Operating Without a CIA?
Failure to comply with the applicable deadlines or submission requirements may result in significant administrative penalties:
| Breach | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Operating without a CIN | €800 – €8,000 |
| Failure to display the CIN | €500 – €5,000 |
| Business activity without a SCIA | €2,000 – €10,000 plus closure of the activity |
| Non-business activity without a CIA | €500 – €2,500 plus closure of the activity |
Puglia Realty Can Help You Become Fully Compliant
We understand how time-consuming and complex the administrative requirements associated with short-term rentals can be: forms to complete correctly, supporting documentation to obtain, deadlines to meet, and multiple authorities to deal with.
For this reason, Puglia Realty offers a comprehensive CIA application support service, including:
- Collection and verification of all documentation required for your specific type of property;
- Accurate preparation of the notification in full compliance with current regulations;
- Submission of the application to the relevant authorities within the required deadlines and procedures;
- Final compliance checks to ensure your accommodation fully meets all legal requirements.
Our team will guide you through every step of the process, allowing you to focus on what matters most: delivering an outstanding experience for your guests.
Contact us today and ensure your property is fully compliant, without the stress.
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